MVP Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds wins another MVP, so that means it's time for all the sanctimonious sports writers to get in another uproar about Bonds and steroids. Okay, Bonds is a jerk and there's a 99% chance he's used steroids. Nonetheless, the outrage shouldn't be just about Bonds and steroids.

Call me a cynic, but I think the majority of major leaguers have used steroids. Bonds gets the criticism because he's the world's best hitter and he's a jerk. Steroids have helped Bonds's statistics. The problem is steroids have helped almost every hitter's statistics. It's no coincidence that when steroid testing became more stringent, power numbers went down. If and when Barry Bonds irrefutable gets caught, it will be a scandal. I just think it's strange that there will be outrage about him doing something that countless other players are doing.

Will Barry Bonds's statistical records be tainted? Yes, but connecting eras of baseball by comparing statistics is problematic to begin with. For many, statistics give baseball a historical backbone that other sports do not have. I guess comparing Babe Ruth's stats with Bonds's is fun, but we can't make many judgments from doing this. Here's some of the things statistical comparisons don't account for: steroids, ballpark sizes, different types of baseballs, nightgames, different travel arrangement, computerized and video scouting, relief pitching, Negro League, Hispanic influence, expansion, etc.

Anyway, back to Bonds. Denounce him if you wish. Just make sure you buy plenty of tar and feathers because he's not the only one cheating.